In the first half of this year, Russia's population recorded its lowest number of births in 25 years, with only 599,600 babies born from January to June, reflecting a 16,500 decline compared to last year. This marks the first monthly decline, with June seeing births dip below 100,000 for the first time, highlighting a deepening demographic crisis amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Incentives like cash payments and the revived title of 'Mother Heroine' for mothers of large families have not succeeded in reversing the troubling decline in birth rates. Despite a one-time payment of 1 million rubles for mothers with 10 or more children, the declining trend persists as societal conditions hinder family planning.
With a birth rate plummeting to 8.3 per 1,000 people for the first half of 2024, down from 10 per 1,000 in 2019, Russia faces an urgent demographic crisis exacerbated by the Ukraine war. The stark contrast with the US birth rate of 11 per 1,000 people in 2022 underscores the severity of Russia's situation.
Political figures are suggesting drastic measures, with one politician advocating for a 'special demographic operation' reminiscent of the current military operations. This stark analogy to the military context further illustrates the nation's alarming predicament regarding its population and the urgent need for effective strategies.
[
Collection
]
[
|
...
]